Health Encyclopedia

Teen Weight Management - Ten Thousand Steps

Recently, some really smart science types tried to figure out how much physical activity it takes everyday to manage your weight. And they came up with 10,000 steps.

Taking 10,000 steps each day can help you maintain your weight loss goals. On a normal day most people take anywhere from 900 to 3000 steps just doing what they always do.

Of course, you can’t go around counting each step you take. But you can use a pedometer. A pedometer counts how many steps you take for you. Try it. See how many steps you take each day and then make a plan to raise that number.

10,000 is a big number. But the trick is to work up to it gradually.

Add to your number of steps by doing the easy things -- like when you’re at the mall walk and talk with your friends instead of hanging out at the food court. If you can, walk to school instead of taking the bus. Walk your pet, or ask if you can walk your neighbor’s pet.

If you’re active a little more each week, eventually you will be walking 10,000 steps a day and managing your weight.

"Yea, I was really heavy and, um, I would get long winded from walking short distances. And so me and my mom started walking. She purchased the treadmill and we do that sometimes if it’s raining or if the weather’s bad. When we started exercising, I started to get more energy. People started to notice I was losing weight, and so I just kept on doing that."

So get up and move. Make walking a part of your everyday routine, and you’ll reach your weight goals sooner than you ever thought possible.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.